.Business Bay is a rapid transit station on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro in Dubai, UAE. It opened on 15 October 2010 along with four other intermediate stations on the Red Line. Located at the heart of Dubai’s financial district, Business Bay Metro Station serves as a crucial transportation hub connecting residents, tourists, and business professionals to key destinations across the emirate.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Business Bay Metro Station, from operating hours and fare zones to nearby attractions and practical travel tips.
Business Bay Metro Station Location and Accessibility
Strategic Location
Business Bay station is located at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Road and 35th Street, southwest of Dubai’s historic centre. The station’s prime location makes it one of the most accessible metro stations in Dubai, serving both the bustling Business Bay district and the adjacent Al Wasl neighborhood.
Station Code and Zone Information
Business Bay Metro Station is identified by the station number 24. The station is in Zone 6 for pricing purposes. This zoning system is essential for calculating metro fares when traveling to different parts of Dubai.
Accessibility Features
The station is fully equipped with accessibility features including:
- Elevators for wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges
- Tactile guidance paths for visually impaired passengers
- Dedicated spaces for wheelchair users in trains
- Multiple entry and exit points
- Clear directional signage in Arabic and English
Dubai Metro Business Bay Station Timings
Operating Hours
The Dubai Metro normally operates on weekdays from 5:00 AM until midnight, and on weekends, it works from 5:00 AM until 1:00 AM. Here’s the detailed timing schedule:
Weekdays (Saturday to Thursday)
- Opening time: 5:00 AM
- Closing time: 12:00 AM (Midnight)
Fridays
- Opening time: 10:00 AM (delayed start for weekend prayers)
- Closing time: 1:00 AM (next day)
Sundays
- Opening time: 8:00 AM
- Closing time: 12:00 AM (Midnight)
Peak and Off-Peak Hours
This station is considered one of the busiest metro stations in Dubai, especially if you are going to this station during office hours. (8:00 AM – 09:30 AM & 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM).
Peak Hours
- Morning: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Off-Peak Hours
- Mid-morning: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Late evening: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Red Line Route and Connectivity
Red Line Network
Business Bay Metro Station is part of the Dubai Metro Red Line, which is the longest and most comprehensive line in the Dubai Metro system. The Red Line connects:
- Northern terminus: Rashidiya Station (near Dubai International Airport)
- Southern terminus: UAE Exchange Station (Jebel Ali)
- Total distance: Approximately 52 kilometers
- Number of stations: 29 stations
Adjacent Stations
Previous Station: First Gulf Bank Metro Station Next Station: Al Safa Metro Station (formerly Noor Bank Metro Station)
The distance between Business Bay and Al Safa station stations is among the longest in the system; as a result, station codes 27 and 28 have been reserved for future use.
Key Destinations from Business Bay
The Red Line provides direct connectivity to major Dubai destinations:
- Dubai International Airport (Rashidiya direction)
- Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station
- Dubai Marina and JBR
- Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Internet City
- ADCB Metro Station for Abu Dhabi connections
For detailed route information to other metro stations, visit our guides on Dubai Metro timing and other major stations like Union Metro Station Dubai.
Fare Structure and Ticketing
Zone-Based Pricing System
The station is in Zone 6 for pricing purposes. Dubai Metro uses a zone-based fare system with the following structure:
NOL Card Fares (2025)
- 1 Zone: AED 4
- 2 Zones: AED 6
- 3+ Zones: AED 8.5
Paper Ticket Fares
- 1 Zone: AED 6
- 2 Zones: AED 8.5
- 3+ Zones: AED 12
Ticketing Options
- NOL Card: Rechargeable smart card (recommended for regular users)
- NOL Day Pass: Unlimited travel for 24 hours (AED 25)
- Paper Tickets: Single-use tickets for occasional travelers
- Mobile Apps: RTA Dubai app for digital ticketing
Senior Citizens and Students
Special discounted fares are available for:
- Students with valid ID
- Senior citizens (60+ years)
- People of determination (disabled passengers)
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
Business District Attractions
Bay Square Mall
- Distance: 200 meters walking
- Shopping, dining, and entertainment complex
- Direct pedestrian bridge connection
Dubai Canal
- Distance: 500 meters walking
- Waterfront promenade and cycling track
- Water taxi connections available
Opus Tower by Zaha Hadid
- Distance: 800 meters walking
- Architectural marvel and mixed-use development
- Luxury hotels and offices
Tourist Destinations
Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
- Metro connection: 1 station (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station)
- Travel time: 5 minutes by metro
- World’s tallest building and largest shopping mall
Downtown Dubai
- Metro connection: Direct via Red Line
- Travel time: 8-10 minutes
- Dubai Fountain, Dubai Opera, and Souk Al Bahar
Dubai Marina
- Metro connection: Direct via Red Line
- Travel time: 25 minutes
- Beach access, dining, and entertainment
For more Dubai attractions, check our comprehensive guide on Dubai attractions for kids and best free Dubai attractions.
Bus Connections and Feeder Services
Bus Routes from Business Bay Metro Station
Bus Links: Use buses 27, 29, or 7 to reach Al Quoz or Jumeirah.
Major Bus Routes
- Route 7: Serves Jumeirah Beach, Mercato Mall
- Route 27: Connects to Al Quoz Industrial Area
- Route 29: Links to various residential areas
- Route 61: Service to Dubai Healthcare City
- Route 67: Connection to Satwa and Karama
Connecting to Other Emirates
Business Bay Metro Station provides excellent connectivity for inter-emirate travel:
Abu Dhabi Connections
- Take Red Line to Ibn Battuta Mall
- Connect with intercity bus services
- For detailed timings, see our Ibn Battuta to Abu Dhabi Airport bus timings guide
Sharjah Connections
- Multiple bus routes available from the station
- Union Metro Station provides additional options
- Check our Union Metro Station Dubai guide for more details
Parking Facilities
Metro Park & Ride
Parking: Paid parking is available near Bay Avenue (AED 5–10 per hour).
Parking Options
- Short-term parking: AED 5-10 per hour
- Daily parking: Available at nearby commercial buildings
- Street parking: Limited availability with paid meters
Alternative Transportation
- Taxi services: Available 24/7 at designated taxi stands
- Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Careem pickup points
- Bicycle parking: Secure bike storage facilities
- Walking paths: Covered walkways from nearby buildings
Shopping and Dining Near Business Bay Metro
Shopping Destinations
Bay Square
- Location: Directly connected to metro station
- Stores: International brands, electronics, fashion
- Services: Banking, telecommunications, cafes
Downtown Dubai Shopping
- Dubai Mall: 1 metro stop away
- The Galleria: Luxury shopping center
- Souk Al Bahar: Traditional Arabian marketplace
For the best shopping experiences in Dubai, visit our guide on best shopping malls in Dubai.
Dining Options
Within Walking Distance
- International restaurants in Bay Square
- Food courts with diverse cuisines
- Coffee shops and quick service outlets
- Fine dining establishments in nearby hotels
Nearby Culinary Experiences
- Downtown Dubai: World-class restaurants
- DIFC: Business lunch venues
- Jumeirah: Beachfront dining options
Night Entertainment
Business Bay Nightlife
- Rooftop bars with city views
- Hotel lounges and clubs
- Waterfront dining venues
For comprehensive nightlife options, check our best rooftop bars in Dubai guide.
Hotels Near Business Bay Metro Station
Luxury Hotels
Within 1 km
- JW Marriott Marquis Dubai: Twin tower luxury hotel
- Conrad Dubai: Sophisticated business hotel
- Shangri-La Hotel Dubai: Premium accommodations
- Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road: Business-friendly option
Budget and Mid-Range Options
Affordable Accommodations
- Hotel apartments in Business Bay
- Budget hotels on Sheikh Zayed Road
- Serviced apartments for extended stays
Booking Recommendations
For the best hotel deals and attraction packages, explore our guides:
- Book Dubai attraction tickets for the best prices
- Dubai attractions combo tickets
- Best time to book Dubai attractions tickets
Travel Tips and Practical Information
Essential Travel Tips
Obey Signage: Clear directions guide you to exits, buses, and taxis. Avoid Rush Hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM for a less crowded commute.
For First-Time Visitors
- Download the RTA Dubai App for real-time schedules
- Purchase a NOL Card for convenient travel
- Plan around peak hours to avoid crowds
- Use the metro map to plan your route efficiently
- Keep your ticket until you exit the station
Safety and Security
Security Features
- CCTV monitoring throughout the station
- Security personnel on duty 24/7
- Emergency help points on all platforms
- Fire safety systems and emergency exits clearly marked
- Women and children carriages available during peak hours
Language and Communication
Multilingual Support
- Bilingual signage in Arabic and English
- Multi-language announcements on trains
- Staff assistance available in multiple languages
- Mobile apps with translation features
Future Developments and Expansion
Metro Network Expansion
Dubai’s metro system continues to expand with several planned developments:
Blue Line (Under Planning)
- Will intersect with Red Line at multiple points
- Expected to further enhance connectivity
Route 2020 Extension
- Extends Red Line to Expo 2020 site
- Additional stations and improved frequency
Business Bay District Development
The Business Bay area continues to grow with:
- New residential and commercial towers
- Enhanced pedestrian connectivity
- Waterfront development projects
- Smart city initiatives
Cost-Effective Travel Strategies
Money-Saving Tips
Daily Commuters
- Use NOL Card for discounted fares
- Consider monthly passes for regular travel
- Combine metro with walking for short distances
Tourists
- Purchase day passes for multiple trips
- Use metro for airport transfers
- Combine with bus routes for comprehensive coverage
Budget Travel Packages
Explore our money-saving guides:
- Find discounted tickets for Dubai attractions
- Cheapest attractions in Dubai
- How I manage my desert safari tour under 500 AED
Accessibility and Special Needs
Facilities for People with Disabilities
Comprehensive Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible platforms and trains
- Audio announcements for visually impaired passengers
- Tactile guidance systems
- Priority seating areas
- Dedicated boarding areas
Family-Friendly Features
Family Facilities
- Stroller-friendly wide gates and elevators
- Family areas in trains
- Child-friendly facilities and safety features
- Baby changing rooms in larger stations nearby
Connection to Major Dubai Destinations
Business and Financial District Access
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Connection: Walk to Financial Centre Metro Station
- Distance: 1.2 km walking or short bus ride
- Travel time: 15 minutes total
Dubai World Trade Centre
- Connection: Direct Red Line connection
- Travel time: 10 minutes
- Station: World Trade Centre Metro Station
Tourist Hotspots
Dubai Marina and JBR
- Connection: Direct Red Line
- Travel time: 20-25 minutes
- Attractions: Beach, restaurants, shopping
Mall of the Emirates
- Connection: Direct Red Line
- Travel time: 15 minutes
- Features: Ski Dubai, shopping, dining
For comprehensive attraction planning, visit:
Emergency Information and Contacts
Emergency Services
In Case of Emergency
- Police: 999
- Ambulance: 998
- Fire Department: 997
- RTA Customer Service: 8009090
Station Assistance
Support Services
- Station Manager Office: Available during operating hours
- Customer Service Desk: Information and assistance
- Lost Property: Report to station staff immediately
- Medical Assistance: First aid available on request
Seasonal Considerations
Summer Travel (May – September)
Air-Conditioned Comfort
- All stations and trains are fully air-conditioned
- Covered walkways provide shade
- Early morning or late evening travel recommended
Winter Season (October – April)
Pleasant Weather
- Comfortable walking conditions
- Outdoor attractions more enjoyable
- Peak tourist season with higher crowds
Ramadan Considerations
Modified Timings
- Adjusted operating hours during Ramadan
- Reduced service frequency during certain hours
- Check official RTA website for updates
Technology and Digital Services
Mobile Applications
RTA Dubai App
- Real-time schedules and updates
- Route planning and fare calculation
- NOL Card balance checking
- Service announcements
Third-Party Apps
- Google Maps integration
- Moovit public transport app
- Uber and Careem for last-mile connectivity
WiFi and Connectivity
Digital Amenities
- Free WiFi available in all metro stations
- Charging stations at select locations
- Mobile network coverage throughout the system
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Eco-Friendly Transportation
Environmental Benefits
- Reduced carbon emissions compared to private vehicles
- Energy-efficient trains and stations
- Integration with renewable energy sources
- Promotion of sustainable urban mobility
Green Initiatives
Sustainability Programs
- Solar power integration at select stations
- Waste reduction programs
- Water conservation systems
- LED lighting for energy efficiency
Conclusion
Business Bay Metro Station stands as a testament to Dubai’s commitment to world-class public transportation. Whether you’re a daily commuter, business traveler, or tourist exploring the city, this comprehensive guide provides all the information needed for efficient and comfortable travel.
The station’s strategic location, excellent connectivity, and modern facilities make it an ideal starting point for exploring Dubai’s diverse attractions and business districts. From shopping at nearby malls to accessing world-famous landmarks, Business Bay Metro Station serves as your gateway to the best of Dubai.
For the latest updates on timings, fares, and service announcements, always refer to the official RTA Dubai website at www.rta.ae and download the RTA Dubai mobile app for real-time information.
Plan your Dubai journey effectively by exploring our related guides on metro stations, bus routes, and attraction bookings. Whether you’re looking for cultural and historical attractions in Dubai or planning top 5 Dubai attractions for adventure seekers, Business Bay Metro Station provides the perfect starting point for your Dubai adventures.